NCAC takes cultural promotion to global arena

In a bid to practically tell the Nigeria cultural story in the right perspective and to erase the misrepresentation of our diverse culture, people and identity, the apex culture and art body, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) debut with a cultural village in Russia.

The initiative which is apt to the new narrative to promoting Nigeria rich arts, crafts and cultural story to a diverse global audience will also create amply opportunities for more economic ties in the area of investment.

The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Chief Segun Runsewe who sees every global arena as an opportunity to plan for the future through strategic promotion and positioning Nigeria’s cultural ingenuity that attract global audience told journalist that if you don’t package you product(s) no one will patronise you.

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“Every products needs packaging, we have different cultural product which people from other countries come to Nigeria to source, rebrand and package them and put their countries logo on them to look as if it was originally and they use it to generate foreign exchange at the world market.

“We want to put a stop it by reclaiming our position. Our arts and crafts are revere and are hot cake in the international make, so through our exhibition, we can reclaim our original market and also create opportunity for investors talt attention to Nigeria.

“Gone are the days of mere showcasing of art and crafts for the sake of it. It’s all about the presentation and packaging. It is how the Nigerian artist and craftsman package his works that he will be defined by.

“I have seen other countries package what ordinarily is worthless, but end up branding it as rare and exotic works just to rake in the money. With me at the WCC in Africa helm, now is the time for our artists and craftsmen to also acquire that exposure,” he said.

At the ongoing 2018 World Cup in Russia, the NCAC boss said his agency has come up with entirely locally-produced souvenirs for fans of the Super Eagles which, according to him, the supporters’ club has commended.

“Since the FIFA people have barred us from using our drums and trumpets which we are known for, we at NCAC have come up with an ingenious idea of locally defining our support instruments for cheering the football team in Russia,” he added.

The Supporters’ Club people were here to see and they quite like it.